Tanzanian football pundit Salum Pelembo has outlined what AmaZulu FC should expect from new coach Pablo Franco Martin.
On Tuesday, AmaZulu announced the appointment of the Spaniard on a three-year contract.
He takes over from Ayanda Dlamini, who was holding fort at the club on an interim basis when the season ended.
Dlamini did well to save the team from being relegated but did not retain the club’s faith that he can help them achieve their ambitions.
And Pablo Franco Martin, formerly with Simba SC, is expected to help the ambitious club claim their stake in the league. He has also had stints at Qadsia SC in Kuwait, Getafe, and Real Madrid in Spain in head coach and assistant roles.
It will be intresting to see how he will fare in the PSL, considering the staff turn over at the club in the last two years.
WHAT THE AMAZULU BOSS, SANDILE ZUNGU SAID
Although he is yet to land in the country, AmaZulu boss Sandile Zungu has already laid his demands in plain words.
“We emerged with one name. A name that the players will be very happy with, the supporters, sponsors, and the directors of AmaZulu FC,” said Zungu.
“We believe that the local league will be richer with a person of this gentleman’s calibre coming to the DSTV Premiership. Franco will join the squad next week to begin his pre-season programme.”
However Salum Pelembo says the former Getafe mentor has more to offer a club of AmaZulu’s stature.
The Tanzanian football pundit picked two key elements that Usuthu will benefit from Pablo Franco Martin.
SHREWD YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TACTICS
Salum Pelembo said youth develoment and grooming is one of Pablo Franco Martin’s strength.
“Pablo is good at grooming. I think AmaZulu will benefit more from him in that regard,” he told FARPost.
“There is less pressure at AmaZulu as compared to Simba SC and even Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
“He never got to show that at Simba because of the pressure at the club. Simba just like Chiefs want results, so grooming isn’t easy.
“A club of AmaZulu’s calibre is easy for him to succeed because his track record speaks for itself,” he added.
HIGH PRESSING STYLE OF PLAY
Pelembo added that Pablo Franco Martin’s style of play can turn AmaZulu into a dreaded jaggernaut.
“When he came at Simba SC, we saw change because they rose to be good with or without the ball,” said Pelembo.
“He prefers the high pressing and fluid football. We all saw it happening when he came to Simba. So many players were converted to become unique.
“His eye for transformation and development is impressive. Moreso, in relation to the media and publicity, he has depth.
“I think AmaZulu got a good candidate to push their ambitions. He is exceptional when it comes to managing the dressing room.”
However, he lasted six months at Simba SC from November 2021 up to May 2022. At AmaZulu he will reunite with Rally Bwalya who he coached at Simba SC.
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